Chargers Roar Back In Ot

HOLLYWOOD — As the leader of a struggling Hallandale offense that had lost its coach for the regular season, Leon Pennington knew his season was at a crossroads.

After the Chargers fell 21 points behind at the half to the state's fifth-ranked team Friday, Pennington put that struggling offense on his back.

The junior rushed for 90 of his game-high 119 yards in the second half with three touchdowns to rally the Chargers to a 27-24 win in overtime over Jupiter in a District 12-3A game at McArthur.

Pennington tallied both the game-tying score in the fourth quarter and the game-winning score. He tied the game with 1:56 to play on a 13-yard run.

The Chargers (3-2, 1-1) missed the go-ahead extra point, but the defense stiffened to hold the Warriors (4-1, 0-1) on downs and force the tiebreaker. Jupiter took first possession but netted minus-5 yards that led to a 30-yard go-ahead field goal by Brandon Baila.

Pennington completed the comeback on his second carry of Hallandale's series, bowling in from 7 yards out for the upset.

"Hallandale just took it to us in the second half," Jupiter coach Charlie Persson said. "We didn't have many chances on offense. That Pennington kid really took control of the tempo."

The Warriors controlled the game in the first half. Halfback Roderick Hill looked as if he would be the hero of the game, rambling for 122 yards and two touchdowns to help Jupiter build its lead.

It also appeared the Chargers were still in shock after learning earlier in the week they would be without the services of coach Bob Wood for the next six games. Wood drew the suspension from the Florida High School Activities Association for his conduct during last week's 30-6 loss to Deerfield Beach.

Allen Held has taken over as coach of the team. At the half, Held and his coaches found a way to hold Hill in check.

"In the second half, we slowed the defense up," Held said, "and then we went right after them in the cut lanes."

Behind seven Pennington carries, Hallandale took the opening kickoff of the second half and marched 75 yards on 11 plays.

Jerald Carter capped the drive on a 50-yard touchdown catch from Jermaine Walters.

On their next drive, the Chargers went 78 yards on 13 plays. Pennington carried nine times on the drive, finishing it with a 4-yard scoring run.

Pennington credited his offensive line as well has his defense, which forced three Warrior fumbles and one interception, for the victory.

"We are a character team," Pennington said. "We knew we had to go out there and play this one for coach and show him that we know how to win without him."